Adelaide, the vibrant capital of South Australia, is a destination that blends stunning coastal beauty with rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, finding the right accommodation is key to making the most of your trip. This guide highlights the top five hotels in Adelaide based on overall review scores, ensuring that each option provides a luxurious, comfortable, and memorable stay. These selections are backed by a significant number of positive reviews from previous guests, offering insight into what makes each hotel a standout choice for your visit to this charming city.
1. Mayfair Hotel
Address:
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Overview:
The Mayfair Hotel is one of Adelaide’s most iconic luxury hotels, blending heritage charm with modern elegance. Located in the heart of the city, the Mayfair occupies the historic Colonial Mutual Life building, a beautifully restored architectural gem. The hotel’s prime location puts guests within walking distance of Rundle Mall, the Adelaide Casino, and the Festival Centre, making it perfect for both business and leisure travellers.
The Mayfair boasts 170 luxurious rooms and suites, each tastefully designed with opulent furnishings and modern amenities, such as high-speed Wi-Fi and a smart TV. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Mayflower, serves classic Australian dishes, while Hennessy Rooftop Bar offers a chic setting with panoramic views of the city skyline.
Inside, the Mayfair’s design balances old-world charm with contemporary style. Original features like stonework and ceilings have been preserved, creating a timeless aesthetic. Guests can also enjoy 24-hour room service, a fully equipped fitness centre, and in-room spa treatments, providing ultimate relaxation after a day of exploring Adelaide’s attractions.
Why it is on this list:
The Mayfair Hotel consistently ranks at the top of Adelaide’s best hotels due to its exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and unbeatable location. With thousands of glowing reviews, the hotel is praised for its attention to detail and its ability to provide a five-star experience in a boutique setting.
Summary of Positive Reviews:
Guests frequently comment on the hotel’s beautiful, elegant design and its perfect location in the city centre. The service is consistently rated as outstanding, with many noting the attentive and friendly staff. The quality of the rooms is another highlight, with many reviewers describing them as spacious, clean, and equipped with high-end amenities. Dining at Mayflower is also widely praised for its creative menu and use of fresh, local ingredients.
Summary of Negative Reviews:
Some guests mention that while the hotel offers a premium experience, the price can be on the higher side, particularly during peak travel seasons. A few reviewers noted occasional issues with room availability during busy periods. However, negative feedback is rare and typically minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive experiences.
2. Eos by SkyCity
Address: Festival Drive, Adelaide, SA 5000
Overview:
Eos by SkyCity is a contemporary, luxury hotel that offers a sleek and sophisticated stay in Adelaide’s bustling entertainment district. Part of the SkyCity complex, Eos provides direct access to the Adelaide Casino, a variety of restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The hotel features 120 stylish rooms and suites, all designed with modern elegance in mind. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer breath taking views of the River Torrens and the city skyline, while inside, rooms are furnished with plush bedding, large marble bathrooms, and smart technology for a seamless guest experience.
Eos is known for its indulgent amenities, including an infinity pool with sweeping city views, a luxurious spa, and 24-hour concierge service. Guests can also dine at ITL, the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant, or explore the many dining options within the SkyCity complex. Whether you’re looking to relax or experience the best of Adelaide’s nightlife, Eos by SkyCity offers a perfect combination of both.
Why it is on this list:
Eos by SkyCity has quickly established itself as one of Adelaide’s top hotels due to its cutting-edge design, high-end amenities, and prime location. With over 2,000 reviews highlighting the hotel’s impeccable service and facilities, it offers a stylish escape for those looking to indulge in luxury.
Summary of Positive Reviews:
Guests rave about the luxurious rooms, with many noting the impressive views and high-tech amenities. The hotel’s infinity pool and spa are frequently mentioned as highlights, providing a serene escape from the city’s bustle. Reviewers also appreciate the proximity to Adelaide’s entertainment venues and the convenience of having top-tier restaurants and bars on-site.
Summary of Negative Reviews:
Some guests feel that the hotel’s high price point is a drawback, especially for those who are not planning to use all the available amenities. A few reviewers have mentioned occasional noise from the nearby casino or entertainment district, but this tends to be infrequent and minor.
3. Oval Hotel
Address: King William Road, North Adelaide, SA 5006
Overview:
The Oval Hotel offers a unique experience as the only hotel integrated into a world-famous sporting venue—the Adelaide Oval. This boutique hotel is a favourite for sports enthusiasts and those looking for a luxurious stay with a twist. The hotel features 138 elegantly designed rooms, each offering stunning views of either the Adelaide city skyline or the lush parklands that surround the Oval. The Oval Hotel is also just a short walk from the River Torrens and the cultural heart of Adelaide.
The design of the hotel is sleek and modern, with a nod to its sporting heritage. Guests can enjoy fine dining at Five Regions Restaurant, where seasonal menus are paired with wines from South Australia’s best wine regions. The Oval Hotel also offers exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the Adelaide Oval, making it a top choice for fans of cricket and AFL.
Why it is on this list:
With its unique location and top-tier service, the Oval Hotel offers something truly special in Adelaide’s hotel scene. Its high rating is supported by over 1,500 reviews that highlight the exceptional guest experience and the novelty of staying at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Summary of Positive Reviews:
Guests love the hotel’s location and the novelty of staying at the Adelaide Oval. Many praise the beautifully appointed rooms and the stunning views of the city and parklands. The dining experience at Five Regions is also frequently mentioned as a highlight, with guests appreciating the focus on local produce and wines.
Summary of Negative Reviews:
Some reviewers noted that while the hotel’s integration with the Adelaide Oval is a unique selling point, it can be noisy on game days or during events. A few guests also mentioned that the hotel’s boutique size means fewer amenities compared to larger luxury hotels, but these are minor complaints for most.
4. The Playford Adelaide – MGallery by Sofitel
Address:
120 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Overview:
The Playford Adelaide, part of the MGallery by Sofitel collection, is a luxury boutique hotel that combines Art Nouveau style with modern comfort. Located on North Terrace, the hotel is perfectly situated for guests to explore Adelaide’s cultural precinct, including the Adelaide Convention Centre, Festival Theatre, and Art Gallery of South Australia. The Playford features 182 opulent rooms and suites, each designed with plush furnishings, ornate décor, and modern conveniences such as high-speed Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The hotel also boasts an indoor heated pool, a fully equipped gym, and a luxurious spa.
Dining at The Playford Restaurant is an experience in itself, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes. The hotel’s bar, with its glamorous Art Deco design, is the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail after a day of sightseeing. The Playford offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern luxury, making it a standout choice for travellers seeking elegance and sophistication.
Why it is on this list:
The Playford Adelaide is highly regarded for its beautiful Art Nouveau design and its focus on delivering a premium guest experience. With over 2,500 reviews, it consistently ranks among the best hotels in Adelaide for its attention to detail and commitment to luxury.
Summary of Positive Reviews:
Guests frequently compliment the hotel’s stunning design, both in the rooms and public spaces. The service is often described as exemplary, with many noting the warm and welcoming staff. The restaurant and bar also receive high praise for their quality and ambience, making dining at The Playford a memorable experience.
Summary of Negative Reviews:
Some guests feel that the hotel’s décor, while luxurious, is a bit too ornate for those who prefer minimalist or modern styles. A few reviewers also mentioned that the rooms facing North Terrace can experience some street noise, but this is generally seen as a minor inconvenience.
5. InterContinental Adelaide
Address:
North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Overview:
The InterContinental Adelaide is a five-star hotel located on the prestigious North Terrace, adjacent to the Adelaide Convention Centre and Festival Theatre. This hotel offers 367 spacious rooms and suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of either the city or the River Torrens. The rooms are elegantly designed with modern furnishings, luxury linens, and a full range of amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The InterContinental also features a stunning outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, and several fine dining options, including Shiki, an award-winning Japanese restaurant.
The hotel’s design reflects a blend of modern luxury and classic elegance, providing a serene retreat for both business and leisure travellers. The location is ideal for exploring Adelaide’s cultural attractions, and the hotel offers a range of business facilities, making it a popular choice for conferences and events.
Why it is on this list:
With over 5,000 reviews, the InterContinental Adelaide consistently ranks as one of the best hotels in the city. Its prime location, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service make it a favourite for both international visitors and locals seeking a high-end experience.
Summary of Positive Reviews:
Guests often highlight the hotel’s excellent location and the stunning views from the rooms. The spaciousness and comfort of the accommodations are frequently mentioned, as is the high level of service provided by the staff. The dining options, particularly Shiki, are also highly praised for their quality and presentation.
Summary of Negative Reviews:
Some guests have noted that the hotel’s décor is starting to show signs of wear and could benefit from a refurbishment. A few reviewers also mentioned that the pool area can become crowded during peak seasons, but overall, negative feedback is rare.
Conclusion
Adelaide offers a wide range of accommodation options, but these five hotels stand out for their exceptional service, luxurious amenities, and prime locations. Whether you’re visiting for business, attending an event, or simply enjoying a getaway, each of these hotels provides a unique experience backed by thousands of positive reviews. From the iconic heritage charm of the Mayfair Hotel to the sleek, modern luxury of Eos by SkyCity, these hotels represent the best Adelaide has to offer.